Page:An argosy of fables.djvu/391

 Rh THE COUNCIL HELD BY THE RATS

LD Rodilard, a certain Cat,

Such havoc with the Rats had made,

'Twas difficult to find a Rat

With nature's debt unpaid.

The few that did remain.

To leave their holes afraid,

From usual food abstain.

Not eating half their fill.

And wonder no one will,

That one who made on Rats his revel

Now, on a day, this dreaded Rat eater.

Who had a wife, went out to meet her;

And while he held his caterwauling

The unkilled Rats, their chieftain calling.

Discussed the point in grave debate.

How they might shun impending fate.

Their Dean, a prudent Rat,

Thought best, and better soon than late,

To bell the Cat.

That when he took his hunting round,

The Rats, well cautioned by the sound,

Might hide in safety underground:

Indeed, he knew no other means,

And all the rest